The European Capital of Culture brings a wide range of events and experiences to Oulu and Northern Finland: international artists, festival on sea ice, ice swimming – there’s something for everyone.
Winter Events Are Calling
Polar Bear Pitching is an internationally renowned startup event where entrepreneurs present their business ideas from an ice hole in frozen water. The event, held on February 26, is open to the public. It combines northern conditions, bold entrepreneurship, and international networking. Polar Bear Pitching 2026
Frozen People once again takes over the frozen sea – this international winter festival of electronic music and northern art returns to the shores of the frozen sea on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Frozen People offers unique Arctic surroundings for the coolest dances and art experiences in the world. The festival program is spread across three stages, featuring both Finnish and international artists. The electronic music lineup includes experimental sounds, rave energy, and alternative vibes. Frozen People 2026
The Winter Swimming World Championships will bring participants from dozens of countries to Oulu. During the competitions, held in the first week of March, swimmers will compete in several distances in icy water. The event gathers both competitive swimmers and winter swimming enthusiasts. A unique sauna world and the world’s largest ice sauna will also be built for the event. Winter Swimming World Championships 2-8.3.2026
The Sanginkontu Art Trail invites people of all mobility levels to experience a unique combination of art and nature in the forests of the Sanginjoki and Oulujoki river delta area. Visitors can discover 12 art checkpoints near local villages, where northern cultural characteristics are interwoven with regional stories and history. Sanginkontu – Art Trails in the riverside forests
Experience the impressive ice and snow sculptures created by international artists at Nallikari Winter Village.
In addition to the winter events, a vast number of other events are on offer, from exhibitions to performances. Visitor favorites include the Fotografiska Tallinn X Oulu2026 group exhibition PLAY, featuring works by 17 international artists, as well as the Layers of the Peace Machine installation and Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma, located at Oulu City Hall.
